Apostle Matthew Royal Doors Icon

Apostle Matthew Royal Doors Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, created for the Royal Doors of an Orthodox church iconostasis. This image is a commissioned work for a church, chapel, or monastery, with the final price calculated individually according to the chosen size and complexity.

Saint Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of one of the four canonical Gospels. Before his calling, he was a tax collector. The Gospel tells how Christ called him with the words, “Follow Me,” and Matthew left his former life to become a disciple and witness of the Savior.

This icon is intended primarily for liturgical use as part of the iconostasis. Its round medallion form, gold background, Gospel book, and the angelic symbol beside the Evangelist all correspond to the traditional placement of the four Evangelists on the Royal Doors.

Apostle Matthew and His Gospel

Apostle Matthew holds a special place in Orthodox tradition as both apostle and evangelist. His Gospel begins with the genealogy of Christ and presents the Savior as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and the King whose teaching reveals the Kingdom of Heaven.

The calling of Matthew is also a powerful image of repentance and transformation. He was taken from a despised occupation and became one of the closest disciples of Christ. For this reason, his icon reminds the faithful that the call of Christ can change the whole direction of a human life.

According to church tradition, after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, Apostle Matthew preached the Gospel in Judea and beyond. His apostolic labor and martyrdom are remembered as a witness to the truth of Christ.

Iconography for the Royal Doors

On Orthodox Royal Doors, the four Evangelists are commonly shown because the Gospel is proclaimed in the divine services and because the doors open toward the altar, the heart of the church’s liturgical life. Apostle Matthew is one of these four Evangelists, together with John, Luke, and Mark.

In this icon, Saint Matthew is shown with an open Gospel book. Beside him appears the angel, his traditional Evangelist symbol. The angel points to the human genealogy of Christ and the mystery of the Incarnation, which are especially emphasized in the opening of Matthew’s Gospel.

The gold background gives the image a solemn liturgical character and is appropriate for an iconostasis setting. The circular form also suits the traditional medallion compositions used on Royal Doors.

Materials and Traditional Technique

The icon is painted by hand on a linden wood board with oak splines. Linen pavoloka is applied to the board, followed by gesso ground. The image is painted in egg tempera, the traditional medium of Orthodox icon painting.

The gold background is made with 23K gold leaf, corresponding to 960 purity in traditional Russian icon-painting terminology. The finished icon is covered with protective lacquer to preserve the painted and gilded surface.

Because Royal Doors must fit the actual dimensions and style of a specific iconostasis, the size, shape, and decorative treatment are discussed before work begins.

Commissioning This Icon

This is a commissioned icon. The price field is left empty because the final cost depends on the size, format, amount of gold leaf, complexity of the image, and whether the icon is ordered separately or as part of a complete set of Evangelists for the Royal Doors.

The icon may be ordered for a parish church, monastery, chapel, or private chapel. It can also be made in a smaller devotional format if a non-liturgical version is needed.

Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after you receive and approve the icon.

Icon Characteristics

Icon name	Apostle Matthew Royal Doors Icon
Saint shown	Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew
Liturgical use	Royal Doors of an Orthodox iconostasis
Iconographic symbol	Angel, the traditional symbol of the Evangelist Matthew
Format	Custom medallion or iconostasis format by agreement
Price	Discussed individually according to size and complexity
Board	Linden wood board with oak splines
Ground	Linen pavoloka and gesso ground
Painting	Hand-painted egg tempera on wood
Gold	23K gold leaf
Finish	Protective lacquer
Shipping	Free international shipping; payment after receiving and approving the icon

Care and Placement

As with any hand-painted icon, the surface should be protected from direct sunlight, moisture, strong heat, and candle smoke. Do not clean the icon with water, alcohol, polish, or household chemicals. Dust may be removed gently with a dry soft brush or cloth.

If the icon is installed in a church iconostasis, the mounting and surrounding woodwork should be planned so that the painted and gilded surface is protected from friction and mechanical damage.

Questions and Answers

Who is shown on this icon?

This icon shows the holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, also known as Levi, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel according to Matthew.

Why is Apostle Matthew painted for the Royal Doors?

The Evangelists are traditionally placed on the Royal Doors of an Orthodox iconostasis, because the Gospel is proclaimed through them and the Royal Doors lead liturgically toward the altar.

What does the angel beside Apostle Matthew mean?

The angel is the traditional symbol of the Evangelist Matthew and points to the human genealogy and incarnation of Christ emphasized at the beginning of his Gospel.

Is this icon made to order?

Yes. This icon is painted to order, because the final size, shape, and details must correspond to the iconostasis or Royal Doors where it will be installed.

Why is the price not fixed?

The price is discussed individually because the work depends on the chosen size, the shape of the medallion, the amount of gilding, and the complexity of the iconostasis project.

What materials are used?

The icon is painted on a linden wood board with oak splines, linen pavoloka, gesso ground, egg tempera, 23K gold leaf, and protective lacquer.

Can this icon be made as part of a full Evangelist set?

Yes. Apostle Matthew can be painted as one of the four Evangelists for the Royal Doors, together with John, Luke, and Mark, in a unified iconographic style.

Is this icon suitable for a home icon corner?

The icon is primarily intended for a church iconostasis or chapel Royal Doors, but a smaller devotional version can be discussed individually.

How long does the painting take?

The timeframe is agreed individually after the size, composition, gilding, and other details are confirmed.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes. Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after you receive and approve the icon.